Prime Video, the US-based company, has announced its first-ever Nigerian originals — ‘Gangs of Lagos’, and ‘LOL: Last One Laughing Naija.’
The company broke the news in a statement sent to TheCable Lifestyle.
‘Gangs of Lagos’ focuses on a group of friends who have to navigate destiny, growing up on the bustling streets and neighbourhood of Isale Eko, Lagos.
The project, directed by Jade Osiberu and produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, features several Nigerian movie stars including Tobi Bakre, and Adesua Etomi-Wellington.
‘LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, on the other hand, is an unscripted series, where a group of comedians compete to be the “Last One Laughing.”
The series, to be hosted by Basketmouth, will see 10 Nigerian comedians competing against one another to see who will ultimately win by keeping a straight face, while simultaneously trying to make their opponents laugh and lose.
According to the statement, the winner of the contest will get a grand prize of N40 million which would be donated to the winner’s charity of choice.
It comes as Prime Video announced the launch of its first local streaming service in Nigeria.
The company said the local streaming service, titled ‘Prime Video Naija’, will allow customers to subscribe to its platform in naira for the first time.
It added that with N2,300, customers in Nigeria will enjoy access “to a great selection of entertainment, including global Amazon Original movies and TV series, popular Hollywood titles, exclusive Nollywood movies, and local Nigerian originals coming soon.”
Josh McIvor, Prime Video’s director of international expansion, said its investment in Nigeria is part of the company’s plans to widen its reach in Africa and across the globe.
Also speaking, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, the company’s head of Nigerian originals, said the initiative would further help amplify homegrown stories to a global audience.
“The news signals our continued commitment to the Nigerian TV and Film industry, bringing the very best of authentic, homegrown stories to not only our customers in Nigeria, but also Prime Video members around the world,” Mba-Uzoukwu said.
By James Ojo/TheCable Lifestyle
